There are ambitious plans to host indoor Test cricket at a proposed new stadium in Hobart, as part of the Tasmania Devils joining the Australian Football League (AFL).
Set to become the AFL's 19th team in 2028, the Tasmania Devils' entry includes the construction of a multipurpose 23,000-seater stadium at Macquarie Point. This stadium will feature a transparent roof, enabling both daytime cricket and floodlit T20 matches.
Anne Beach, CEO of the Macquarie Point Development Corporation, discussed the plans with SEN Tassie, accentuating their goal to host red-ball cricket. She noted the challenges, stating they cannot receive accreditation until the stadium is built. Beach explained that ongoing collaboration with Cricket Tasmania and Cricket Australia, along with detailed design processes, is essential for briefing the ICC and ensuring a smooth sign-off for red-ball cricket.
Concept designs for the Macquarie Point stadium were unveiled recently. Ball-tracking data has been utilised to ensure the roof is high enough for cricket. Alistair Richardson, CEO of Cox Architecture, mentioned that the main concern for cricket was the roof's height, referencing Marvel Stadium in Melbourne where the ball could hit the roof. Using Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking technology, they determined a maximum height for the roof at 50 metres, which satisfied cricket authorities as no instance of a ball hitting that height was recorded.
Experts have indicated that the design minimises shadow impact on the playing surface. While Marvel Stadium has hosted indoor ODIs and BBL matches with a closed roof, Test cricket has never been played in an enclosed venue.
David Boon, chair of Cricket Tasmania, reaffirmed the state's goal of playing cricket at the new stadium, acknowledging potential debates regarding the future of Bellerive Oval. He highlighted Tasmania's opportunity to lead in cricket innovation and expressed eagerness to collaborate with all parties as the design progresses.
Tasmania's last Test was during the 2021-22 season, its first since 2016, when the final Ashes match was moved to Bellerive Oval from Perth due to Covid travel restrictions. It is unlikely to host another Test during the current Future Tours Programme. However, Australia's men's team will play a T20I against Pakistan in November, followed by the third ODI of the Women's Ashes in January.